CT AORTIC ANGIOGRAM

CT Aortic Angiogram Overview

Introduction 

CT Aortic Angiogram is one of the imaging methods that provide accurate diagnostic images of the thoracic and abdominal aorta after the infliction of contrast. It holds significance in the diagnosis of certain diseases of the aorta, including aneurysms, dissections, and some other congenital abnormalities. 

What is CT Aortic Angiogram? 

CT Aortic Angiogram involves the use of modern-day CT scanners with a constant drip of iodine-based contrast to take pictures of the aorta from the level of the heart to the abdomen. Additionally, 3D rotational angiography assists the clinicians in evaluating the vessel and intervening properly on any abnormalities. 

Parameters Considered

• Diameter of aorta and wall structure. 
• Presence of aneurysms, dissections, or intramural hematomas. 
• Patency of branch vessels (e. g., renal and iliac arteries). 
• Integrity of stents or grafts. 
• Any evidence of rupture or active bleeding 

Reasons for the Test

• Any known or suspected aortic disease. 
• Chest or abdominal vessels’ injury assessment. 
• Evaluation before and after surgery. 
• Screening in high-risk groups. 
• Surveillance of current known aneurysms 

Who and When Needs CT Aortic Angiograms? 

Indications: 

• Aortic aneurysm or dissection suspected. 
• Congenital aortic arch anomalies. 
• Vascular injury secondary to blunt chest trauma. 
• Pre-intervention planning, i.e., EVAR, TEVAR. 
• Aortic grafts and stents. 

Patient Demographics: 

• Patients with acute vascular chest or abdominal pain. 
• Patients with Marfan or Ehlers Danlos syndromes. 
• Aged patients with vascular disease risk factors. 
• Trauma patients with suspected haemorrhage. 

Benefits of Taking the Test

• Rapid and precise imaging 
• Important aspects in the case of emergency and trauma 
• Non-operative substitute for conventional angiography 
• Detailed imaging of the whole aorta 

Conditions Diagnosed

• Aortic (thoracic or abdominal) aneurysm 
• Dissection of the aorta (Type A or B) 
• Aortic injury of aorta due to trauma 
• Vascular anomalies of a congenital type 
• Intramural hematoma of aorta 

Preparation

• Fasting to follow directions from your doctor 
• Medication adherence except when instructed otherwise 
• Will discuss allergies and kidney-related concerns 
• If available, bring along previous imaging studies for comparison. 

Pre-requisites 

• Recent kidney function tests (eGFR, creatinine) 
• Accepting consent form permits the injection of contrast 
• Review of the medical history for allergies and other illnesses. 

Best Time to Take the Scan 

• As per clinical need. 
• Preferred during the symptomatic phase or prior to surgery for evaluation. 

Eligibility 

• No significant risk associated with adult patients 
• Risk in pregnancy and renal dysfunction 

Procedure 

• IV cannula is established for the purpose of administering contrast 
• Patient lies on the CT table; breath-holding instructions may be given 
• Image collection occurs within a narrow timeframe following contrast injection 
• Timing for image collection: 10 to 15 minutes 
• Images undergo a 3D reconstruction process after initial processing. 

Caution 

• Do not move during scanning 
• During the contrast injection, notice any discomfort or side effects and promptly inform the staff. 
• Take necessary action by following up with your physician to obtain the results.